Elementary Education Certification Pathway

A tuition-assisted pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education to fulfill K-5 teaching positions in the state of Kentucky.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This program provides a tuition-assisted pathway, as well as academic support, to receive a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education to fulfill K-5 teaching positions in the state of Kentucky. Students participate in the Metropolitan College program for 3 ½ years working third shift at UPS and enroll in no more than 13 credit hours each fall, spring, and summer semesters.  Students can begin enrollment in the program any semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer).  

Students will work with an assigned UofL Academic Advisor to ensure course selection starting noon or after each day. MC students will complete their 240 hours of field experience on Fridays, summers, and at the beginning and end of the fall and spring semesters when UofL is not in session. During the first three and a half years, MC students will receive 100% tuition, starting wage of $21/hour working part-time, and will earn bonuses and fee payments (up to $5250).  These bonuses can be saved to pay for tuition in the last semester while working for JCPS. Click here for a handout of the program overview. 
 

In the last semester of the program, students will work at a JCPS school as an Instructional Assistant (Option 9-must meet employment eligibility) and earn 12 hours of student teaching credit. Student will also complete a 1-credit on-line capstone course. While working as a JCPS Instructional Assistant, student will be eligible for:

  • Pay/Benefits
    • Instructional Assistant pay range is $19.01 to $22.01/hour.
    • Positions are 187 days and subject to escrow.
    • Employees under Option 9, once they are hired, do not receive benefits until the second month after full employment. To obtain healthcare insurance during the interim period, students can:
      • Can apply for the UofL Primary Care Health Fee while not enrolled in a medical insurance policy. Since you will be enrolled in 12 credit hours, you can pay $150 during the last Spring semester which provides primary services at the Cardinal Station of Health Science Center offices of the Campus Health Services.
      • Apply for Student Health insurance at the University of Louisville. Learn more at: Insurance — Campus Health Services (louisville.edu)
      • If eligible, apply through your parent/guardian insurance plan.
  • Future Hiring
    • When they successfully graduate, they will be in a high priority hiring status as a new hire.
    • All JCTA transfer rules will be followed meaning sitting teachers wanting to transfer will get first rights to openings per the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement).
  • 12 Credits of UofL Tuition Paid by:
    • A 25% grant-based tuition reduction for the last semester of undergraduate tuition at UofL.
    • Apply for JCPS tuition assistance. It is not guaranteed, and distribution of funds depends on the number of eligible employees requesting benefit.
    • Commonwealth Credit Union Savings Plan: The CCU savings plan option will require students in the program to make a $5-$30 a week direct deposit starting at the beginning of the program. Students will also save their MC semester bonuses and MC fee payments, into the Commonwealth Credit Union account. MC students are strongly encouraged to direct deposit as much as their budget will allow so that they can supplement their JCPS Instructional Assistant income, healthcare fees, and any outstanding tuition and fees during the last semester of the program. MC students should connect with a CCU Financial Services Representative at a local branch during their first semester in the MC program.
    • Commonwealth Credit Union Scholarship: As an incentive for the student to complete the Teaching Pathway Program through Metropolitan College, CCU will commit to providing up to $60,000 in scholarships. Students can apply for this scholarship one semester prior to student teaching (approximately $2,000 for 30 students). Those receiving the reward will receive the aid in the final semester of the program if program requirements are fulfilled.

Students in high school teaching pathways can complete 9 credit hours and 33 field hours before starting at the University of Louisville and Metropolitan College. JCPS/Bullitt/Nelson/Oldham/Bardstown/Fayette/Spencer/Assumption Teaching Pathway fulfill some of the course requirements and field hours.

 

EXAMPLE STUDENT SCHEDULE

SEMESTER SCHEDULE

Students will work with an assigned UofL Academic Advisor to ensure course selection starting noon or after each day and courses that adhere to the 4-year course outline. MC students will complete their 240 hours of field experience on Fridays, summers, and at the beginning and end of the fall and spring semesters when UofL is not in session. For a brief overview of the degree program and certification offerings, click here. 

TIMELINE TO ENROLL

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you are interested in enrolling in the Elementary Education Certification Pathway (P-5) complete the interest form located in the "Timeline To Enroll" section. If you have questions, contact Shelly Gilles MC Student Success Counselor, at (502) 852.2534 or shelly.gilles@louisville.edu